You walked with me
Footprints in the sand
And helped me understand
Where I'm going

We were walking along the beach, feeling the sand tingle our bare feet. A light breeze blew across the beach, fluttering our hair. Once in a while, I stepped on a sharp shell, but I ignored it. Nothing else could surpass the pain I felt inside at that moment. Without warning, you stopped suddenly, and I looked at you in confusion. You grabbed my hand gently and plopped me down on the sand, then sat down next to me without explanation. Putting your arm around me, you said to me in your soft, soothing voice, “Talk to me.”

I looked at you shyly, my eyes clouded with hurt. My lips parted into a small sliver as I whispered, “Are you sure?”

You walked with me
When I was all alone
With so much unknown
Along the way
Then I heard you say

You stared back at me with your dark brown eyes, pushing my tangled black hair out from in front of my face, and said, “Yes. Tell me what you need to.”

Bunching up my eyebrows, I lowered my head and mumbled, “What is there left to tell? You know what happened – you were there.” My hands were clamped together, clammy and sweaty. I wrapped my arms around myself, keeping myself in tight, restraining myself from floating away even though I desperately wanted to. To fly free – away from everything that could stir a memory.

I promise you
I'm always there
When your heart is filled with sorrow
And despair, I'll carry you
When you need a friend
You'll find my footprints in the sand

You shifted your position so your eyes met mine and you said, “But I do not know what is going on in there.” You poked the place where my shattered heart lied, broken in pieces. “Tell me what is in there, Laurel.”

Your finger sent a pulse of shock through my veins, startling me. I stared back into your eyes and muttered, “Nothing. Not anymore.” My face froze as my hands glazed over in ice. I was a statue just about ready to crumble as the base underneath me was pulled out. I could see the pain in your eyes as you heard my response and I wished I could have washed it all away – but I was too weak. Too feeble. Normally, I could carry on and keep my tortures to myself, but this time was drastically different. The foremost thing I found comfort in had just pierced through my fragile heart. And there was no way I could hide that.

I see my life flash across the sky
So many times have I been so afraid
And just when I, have thought I lost my way
You gave me strength to carry on
That's when I heard you say

Suddenly, warmth rushed through me as I realized you were holding me tight in your arms, letting my head rest on your strong shoulder. You weren’t much older than me, but at that moment, I felt like you were so much older, an elder sister I always wished I had. A low whisper flowed in my ears and upon hearing your words, I felt like flying.

In my darkest hour, your words shined a light in my emptiness. And even then, you were humorous. “It’s okay, my Laurelsquish. my clam, my hawk-bat, my compost heap. My motherdaughterThaitwinsister. I promise you, I’m always here.”

I promise you
I'm always there
When your heart is filled
With sorrow and despair
And, I'll carry you
When you need a friend
You'll find my footprints in the sand

Lifting my head, I finished the line back ever so softly, “When your heart is filled with sorrow and despair.” You smiled warmly at me and your eyes twinkled. Finally, a smile broke out on my face as well, and I murmured, “So just remember to smile, smile, smile…Come on, show us your teeth and what you got underneath,” so softly you couldn’t have even heard.

When I'm with you
Well I know you've been there
And I can feel you when you say

Hugging me tighter, you continued, “I’ll carry you, when you need a friend. You’ll find my footprints in the sand.” Standing up, we walked away from that spot – a spot that I would remember for eternity. But before we left, I glanced back and saw the footprints in the sand we had made. It formed in a straight line, with one big splotch in the middle from where we had sat down. That image stayed with me up until this very day – a memory forever etched in my mind. Life has gone on, and my heart has been healed. I do not have any worries currently, and I know you are mostly to thank.

I promise you
I'm always there
When your heart is filled
With sadness and despair
I'll carry you when you need a friend
You'll find my footprints in the sand.

Now, as I write this and blast “Footprints in the Sand” from my iPod, I am murmuring to myself, “Thank you, Abby, Creamsquish, my Oreo. Thank you for giving me the strength to carry on. Thank you for being there.”

When your heart is full of
Sadness and despair
I'll carry you when you need a friend
You'll find my footprints in the sand